http://lib.utexas.edu/maps/historical/ward_1912/us_expansion_1848.jpg
Introduction:
During the 1800’s the United States Government faced a
public policy problem. A feeling of
Manifest Destiny had swept over the nation, but the Western half of present day
America was already occupied and claimed by various other groups of
people. In less than 100 years the
United States had more than doubled in size and became one of the largest
countries in the world. Some new
territories were gained through peaceful negotiations, but most were gained
through force. Each new piece of America
has a unique story behind it, filled with conflict and resolution. We will be exploring some of these additions
to America and determining the positive and negative results of our actions as
a country.
Task:
1.
Use the resource section to complete the Public
Policy Analyst Worksheet.
2.
Create a PowerPoint showing each step of the American
History Public Policy Analysis.
a. Your PowerPoint should include at least one slide for each question on your worksheet.
b. You should include information from at least 3 primary sources.
c. A map of the territory must be included. Other visuals will enhance your PowerPoint presentation.
Process:
The teacher will create groups of three. Each group will be responsible for researching one of the following additions to the United States: Oregon Country, Mexican Cession, Texas Annexation, or Florida Acquisitions.
In your groups you will follow the steps below:
1. Explore the resources to find information on your assigned territory.
2. Fill out the worksheet describing the public policy.
3.
Create a PowerPoint presentation fulfilling the
requirements listed in the task.
Resources:
Expansion Overviews and Maps
Territorial expansion 1790-1861 (wear your headphones for sound)
Oregon
Establishing Borders: The Expansion of the United States, 1846-48
OREGON TRAIL: The Trail West, revised 6/30/96
Texas Annexation
Establishing Borders: The Expansion of the United States, 1846-48
Mexican Cession
Establishing Borders: The Expansion of the United States, 1846-48
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
Evaluation:
You will earn up to 100 points when you present your PowerPoint.
Breakdown:
Each of the six Public Policy questions answered will be worth 10 points: 60pts
Each of the three required Primary Sources will be worth 10 points: 30pts
Using a map and other visuals in your PowerPoint will be worth 10 points: 10pts
Conclusion:
You are now an expert on
an area of expansion in the United States and a Public Policy Analyst! You can use this same process to analyze and
present your arguments on any problem that has occurred in United States History. Analyze that!
Standards:
U.S. History
Understands U.S. territorial expansion between 1801 and 1861, and how it
affected relations with external powers and Native Americans.
Geography
Understands the forces of cooperation and conflict that shape the
divisions of Earth's surface.